Welcome to Reel Magic Fishing Charters, owned and operated by Tony Skeen in Mangawhai Heads, New Zealand. Tony is an experienced skipper and passionate fisherman, ensuring that each charter is a memorable and exciting experience.
Reel Magic is a Marco 650 SouWester alloy boat, powered by a 2020 150HP Honda outboard, reaching a maximum cruising speed of 25 knots. Tony holds Maritime NZ Skippers Restricted Limits and Maritime Transport Operators Certifications, as well as First Aid and Radio Operators certificates, ensuring the safety and professionalism of the charter business.
The departure point for Reel Magic is located at the pontoon on Alamar Crescent in Mangawhai Heads. The boat can accommodate a maximum of six passengers for fishing and sightseeing trips, although Tony recommends a maximum of four passengers for fishing charters for the best experience.
The rates for a day trip with Reel Magic are currently $800 for up to four people, with an additional $200 per extra person. This price includes a seven to eight-hour journey on the water. There is also a half-day option available for $520 for up to four people, with an additional $130 per extra person, allowing for a four-hour trip. If needed, fishing rods can be hired for $20 per person.
For the convenience of guests, bait, salt ice, and fishing tackle can be purchased from Fish&Dive located at 8 Wood Street in Mangawhai Heads. Guests are welcome to keep the fish they catch, and the boat is equipped with a 90-litre fish bin to keep the catch fresh. Additionally, there is an onboard flush toilet available for use.
Tony's expertise lies in fishing the Bream Bay area, which features depths ranging from 15 metres to 50 metres around the Hen and Chickens Islands, located approximately 10 miles offshore. A wide variety of species can be caught in this area, with Snapper and Kahawai being the most prevalent. Other species that can be found include Yellowtail Kingfish, Terakihi, Gurnard, Trevally, and John Dory, to name a few.
While Tony's favourite style of fishing is soft baiting on the drift, he is accommodating to guests' preferences, whether it's jigging, anchoring up and using bait, or any other preferred method. Reel Magic provides hire rods for bottom fishing, soft baiting, and lure fishing, but guests will need to bring their own gear if they plan on jigging.
Gift certificates for full or half-day trips are available, making them an excellent present for fishing enthusiasts.
To find the departure point at Mangawhai Heads boat ramp/pontoon, the easiest route from Auckland is to take State Highway 1 to Kaiwaka, which is 16 km north of Wellsford. From there, turn into the Kaiwaka Mangawhai road on your right. Continue until you see a petrol station on your left and then turn left into Molesworth Dr. Follow this road until you reach North Ave on your right, which takes you to the waterfront.
From there, turn left into Alamar Cres, and you will reach the boat ramp and pontoon where Reel Magic is launched.
If coming from the north, such as Whangarei, head south to Kaiwaka and turn left at the 4 square market, following the same instructions mentioned above.
For an unforgettable fishing adventure in beautiful Mangawhai Heads, contact Reel Magic Fishing Charters at 021 029 76400 or email tony@reelmagic. Co. nz.